Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a major healthcare concern having a rising incidence, especially in pediatric patients who are more susceptible to infections. The aim of our study was to analyze the bacterial species isolated from patients admitted to our tertiary hospital and their AMR profiles. We conducted a retrospective observational study by examining the bacterial cultures collected from pediatric patients admitted to our hospital over a period of one year. We identified the most common bacterial species from 1445 clinical isolates and their AMR patterns using standard microbiological techniques. Our analysis revealed that the most frequently isolated bacterial species were Escherichia coli (23.73%), Staphylococcus aureus (15.64%), Klebsiella species (12.04%), and Pseudomonas species (9.96%). Additionally, these species exhibited varying levels of resistance to commonly used antibiotics. Notably, we observed high rates of resistance among Gram-negative bacteria, including extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species. Among Gram-positive bacteria, we observed a high level of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Our findings highlight the urgent need for effective antibiotic management programs and infection control measures to address the rising incidence of AMR in pediatric hospitals. Further research is needed to identify the mechanisms of resistance in these bacterial species and to develop new strategies for preventing and treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria in pediatric patients.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, and potentially fatal, syndrome, characterized by immune system dysregulation, with excessive activation of the macrophages and cytotoxic T cells. It can be classified into primary (genetic) and secondary (acquired) forms. HLH presents with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, and hyperferritinemia, with involvement of various organs. The initial symptoms of HLH are non-specific, but as, if untreated, it can progress rapidly to multiorgan failure, timely diagnosis is essential. We present here two cases of HLH in infants that illustrate the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, along with a short review of HLH.

Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus discovered in 2019 that caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19). During the last year, over 70 million people were infected and more than 1.5 million people died. Despite the tremendous number of people infected, children were less affected and presented milder forms of the disease. A short time after the pandemic was declared, a new hyperinflammatory syndrome resembling Kawasaki disease (KD) was described in children with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection named multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). The incidence of MIS-C is low and it has a polymorphous clinical presentation, making the diagnosis difficult. Although the incidence is reduced, there is a high risk of cardiovascular complications. In order to raise awareness, we present the cases of two pediatric patients diagnosed with MIS-C in our clinic.